Best Observation Decks in New York

The best observation decks in New York can be compared on this page. Visiting a skyscraper in New York is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. From New York’s towers, you can enjoy breathtaking views. NYC has five observation decks, each with its unique features. And of course, I visit all of them regularly. I am often asked what is the best viewing platform in New York, so on this page, you will find my opinion.

 

	Empire State Building	Top of the Rock	Summit One Vanderbilt	Edge	One World Observatory
Price	£37	£41	£37	£30	£37
Height	1050 feet	850 feet	1000 feet	1130 feet	1265 feet
Eric's Rating
Opening hours	from 09:00 to 22:00	from 08:00 to 00:00	from 09:00 to 00:00	from 08:00 to 22:00	from 09:00 to 21:00
Outside deck	✔	✔	✔	✔	✖
Best time to visit	Evening	Daytime	Evening	Daytime	Daytime
Sunset
360 degree view from outside	✔	✔	✖	✖	✖
Elevator Experience
Unique features	Iconic building	Iconic view	Experience filled with mirrors and glass	Platform partly made of glass	Tallest building in New York
	Buy your tickets for Empire State Building here	Buy your tickets for Top of the Rock here	Buy tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt here	Buy your tickets for Edge here	Buy your tickets for One World Observatory here
Discount Passes
New York Pass	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔
Explorer Pass	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔
New York Essentials Pass	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔
All-Inclusive Pass	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔
New York CityPASS	✔	✔	✖	✖	✖

5 Observation decks in New York

There are currently five different observation decks in NYC. Four of these New York viewing platforms are located in Midtown Manhattan, the most famous of which is the Empire State Building. Here you can also find Top of the Rock, the Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt. Downtown Manhattan is home to One World Observatory.

1. Empire State Building (320 metres)

   If it’s your first time in New York, a visit to the Empire State Building is a must on your list. This famous building in New York is the only spot from which you have a view of the Flatiron Building. In addition, you can also enjoy the 360-degree view outside on the 86th floor. It is also possible to purchase an upgrade that allows you to go to the 102nd floor.

   Buy your tickets for the Empire State Building here

   

   What I’d combine it with: You can combine your visit to the Empire State Building with exploring Midtown Manhattan. This iconic skyscraper is located on 34th Street, where you will also find, among other things, Macy’s, the largest department store in New York. Near the Empire State Building, there is also a stop for the Hop on Hop off Bus. This is an ideal way to see a lot of New York in a relatively short time.

   My opinion about the Empire State Building: If it’s your first visit to New York, going up the Empire State Building is a must. It’s a New York classic that can’t be missed. Make sure to tick it off your list, but I recommend combining it with at least one other New York viewing platform to enjoy different experiences.

2. Top of the Rock (260 metres)

   The view you get from the Top of the Rock is one of the most iconic in New York, and you will see it in many photos. The observation deck offers great views of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. You can even see Central Park, though there are a number of skyscrapers in front of it. The ceiling of the lift that takes you to the observation deck is transparent, so be sure to look up as you take the lift.

   From the outside platform, you have 360-degree views. You can also take the stairs to the top of the tower. Here, your view is not obstructed by the glass, allowing you to take great photos. Top of the Rock also offers some unique extra experiences. At The Beam, you take a seat on a rotating steel beam and recreate the legendary 1930s photo of the ironworkers. With Skylift, you can literally elevate your observation deck experience!

   Buy your tickets for Top of the Rock here

   

   What I’d combine it with: You can combine a visit to Top of the Rock with exploring Rockefeller Center, where you will find Radio City Music Hall, NBC’s headquarters and, in the winter months, the famous ice rink. Shopaholics can indulge themselves on Fifth Avenue. It is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world with shops like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Rolex. But less exclusive brands like H&M, Zara and UNIQLO can also be found there.

   My opinion about Top of the Rock: Whereas the Empire State Building is an iconic landmark, Top of the Rock offers an iconic view. Look around and you’ll be able to see parts of Central Park, the Empire State Building and, of course, bustling Midtown Manhattan. While not essential, the special experiences are a nice addition if you want to make the most of your visit.

3. Summit One Vanderbilt (305 metres)

   With mirrors on all sides, Summit One Vanderbilt is an extraordinary observation deck. From the observation deck in the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, you have a unique view of landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. During the day, you can also see Central Park.

   Summit is not just an observation deck; it is also an experience with visuals and sound. Upon entering, you step into a large room with mirrors. And as you continue walking, you enter a room full of balloons, walk past two glass overhangs where you can stand above Madison Avenue, and you can take a glass lift that ascends to the top of the tower on the outside. There is also an outdoor terrace with a bar.

   Perhaps an unusual tip, but when visiting Summit, make sure to use the restroom. Here, too, you will be treated to stunning views.

   Buy your tickets for Summit One Vanderbilt here

   

   What I’d combine it with: Since Summit One Vanderbilt is next to Grand Central Terminal, you can combine your visit to the observation deck with a visit to the world’s largest train station. You can also walk towards Bryant Park, where you can also find the New York Public Library. In the winter months, you can go ice skating in the park. In summer, it is the perfect place to enjoy some sun and coffee.

   My opinion about Summit: I’m always impressed when I visit Summit. It’s not just a platform with great views of Midtown Manhattan; it also offers unique extras which make your observation deck experience truly come to life.

4. Edge (345 metres)

   Edge is the tallest outdoor observation deck in New York. This observation deck can be found in Hudson Yards, one of the newer neighbourhoods of the city. This New York skyscraper has a platform with sloping glass panels and a piece of glass floor. Through this, you can get a good view of Midtown Manhattan and the cars below you.

   Edge New York is located on the west side of Manhattan, allowing you to see out into Downtown Manhattan and also get a good view of the Empire State Building.

   Buy your tickets for Edge here

   

   What I’d combine it with: Are you a daredevil? Then you could also visit Edge in New York on the City Climb, during which you climb to the top of the skyscraper and lean over the edge! If you prefer to stick a little closer to the ground, you can also explore Hudson Yards. Here you will find the Vessel and a shopping mall, among other things.

   My opinion about Edge: Edge is high, outdoors, and has tilted glass walls. So it’s safe to say that it offers a one-of-a-kind experience compared to the other viewing platforms in New York. I was also very impressed by City Climb, which offers a thrilling way to experience an observation deck in New York!

5. One World Observatory (386 metres)

   Visit the 102nd floor of One World Observatory in New York and admire the 360-degree view of the city from the inside. This Downtown Manhattan observation deck is the only observation tower in New York that does not offer outdoor viewing.

   Furthermore, One World Trade Center is the highest building in New York and even in the Western Hemisphere! Consequently, One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in New York. With good weather, you can see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and admire the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan.

   Using the lift, Sky Pods, the ride to the observation deck takes one minute. On top, you’ll see a short video about New York, followed by the screens rising to reveal a special treat: the New York skyline!

   Buy your tickets for One World Observatory here

   

   What I’d combine it with: One World Observatory is the only observation deck in Downtown Manhattan. That’s why it’s an ideal combination for a visit to the nearby 9/11 Museum. The museum is entirely dedicated to the events surrounding 9/11 and is very impressive. Or visit the world-famous Wall Street, the beating heart of the Financial District.

   My opinion about One World Observatory: Personally, I prefer outdoor observation decks to indoor ones, but if you’re afraid of heights, the One World Observatory is a good option. It also has the best views of Downtown, so it’s great to combine it with one of the Midtown decks to experience the best of both.

6. One Times Square Viewing Deck

   Opening soon: The One Times Square Viewing Deck offers a unique perspective on one of the most famous sights in New York. This observation deck is located on the 26th floor of the building that hosts the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. From here, you can overlook the entire Times Square and the surrounding buildings. You can also see the iconic Ball up close and explore the museum to learn more about the history of Times Square.

   Read more about the One Times Square Viewing Deck here
   

   Tickets are not available yet
   Would you like to receive a notification as soon as the tickets are available on my site? Send me a message at eric@newyork.co.uk and I’ll let you know when the tickets go on sale!

   What I’d combine it with: Given its location in Times Square, it’s easy to combine the viewing deck with exploring the area and the nearby attractions. For example, you can visit RiseNY or even see a Broadway show.